The ‘West Lothian Question’ in action
The BBC reports that “devolution may be causing an English backlash, according to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee.” Well, duh. How is it democratic that Scottish MPs - who still represent far smaller constitencies than English MPs, despite the changes for the 2005 general election - have a vote on matters which do not affect their constituents or constituencies? They have a vote on matters that, in Scotland, are covered by the Scottish Parliament, but still retain the ‘right’ to decide on the issues in England and Wales (if they are not one of the few covered by the Welsh Assembly).
This is an issue which needs to be resolved. England has 84% of the UK population, and Scotland’s 9% has more influence than it warrants. The easiest way would be to have English-only votes on issues covered by the devolutionary assemblies, and English-and-Welsh-only votes on those matters covered by the Scottish Parliament in Scotland, but not the Welsh Assembly in Wales.
There is no reason why a Scot - or a Scottish MP - should not become Prime Minister. Everyone in Britain has the right to be able to. The only issue here is whether the English majority of the electorate will vote for one. However, Scottish MPs should not be the Cabinet minister in charge of a department which does not affect their constituency.
